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Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) Service

The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service that offers support, information, practical and emotional support for all those affected by sexual violence experienced in the past or present. The aim of the service is to help you cope with the after impact of sexual violence, whether reported to the police or not.

We are independent from the Police, but our service includes supporting you through the criminal justice process should you chose to report. The ISVA will be specially trained to provide this support and will stay with you throughout your journey and through the criminal justice system and beyond.

ISVA's can also support you with practical issues that might come up as a result of the sexual violence you've experienced. Support can be offered over the phone, face to face, by email or text, you can discuss this once you have spoken to the ISVA who will support you.

We Can:

  • Provide emotional support throughout the process including support through criminal justice process should you decide to report.
  • Help you access other services if you need them, such as health services and housing.
  • Help you to develop your own support network in a way that works for you.
  • Provide flexible support including evening appointments if needed.
  • Keep you informed about the case and attend with you to court.
  • Make sure you get the services you are entitled to by liaising with the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
  • Where appropriate and possible, we can offer to attend some police meetings with you and advocate on your behalf.
  • Help you access counselling when the time is right for you.

You can also access our ISVA Service Policies and Procedures on request to the ISVA service manager.

ISVA Information Sheet Report to Court 2019

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How to refer for ISVA Support Before You Make a Referral to Our ISVA Service – Please Read.

RASA Merseyside’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service offers specialist support to adults affected by sexual violence.

We do not provide crisis support.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

For urgent mental health support, contact your local crisis team:

Mersey Care NHS Urgent Help

If the incident happened recently and you wish to undergo a forensic medical examination, please contact the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC):

📞 0151 295 3550

Who We Can Support. We accept referrals for individuals who are:

  • Aged 18 or over (For support for those under 18, please visit our Children’s Services )
  • Living in Wirral, Sefton, or Liverpool
  • Survivors of any form of sexual violence, including harassment — whether recent or historic 

We Are Unable to Accept Referrals for Individuals who:

  • Do not meet the above eligibility criteria
  • Are in current mental health crisis
  • Are actively suicidal or have made a suicide attempt within the past 3 months
  • Have recently experienced psychosis (within the last 12 months
  • Are currently an inpatient under primary mental health care
  • Have been admitted/discharged multiple times from psychiatric hospitals in the past 12 months
  • Are not seeking support for sexual violence recovery as their main issue (e.g. bereavement, terminal illness, etc.)
  • Are under investigation for or convicted of sexual violence or assault. RASA does not support perpetrators. For support, please visit:
  • Are being referred again within 8 weeks of case closure due to non-engagement. In such cases, only self-referrals from the client will be considered. Professional referrals must show clear evidence of the client’s willingness to engage

 Please Ensure Referrals are made only when the individual is ready and able to engage with ISVA support. This helps us deliver timely, meaningful support to those most in need.

We are here to help you through this, towards recovery, wellbeing and independence. 

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